Francis Sitwell, the seventh child of Henry and Eliza was educated at The Grammar School, Crossgate, Durham. He matriculated on 14 October 1884 afterwards attending Brasenose College, Oxford. Ordained in 1888 he became curate of Christ Church Gateshead. In 1908 Francis, accompanied by his young family left for South Africa and firstly became vicar of St Thomas Durban; then Archdeacon of Durban and Canon of St Saviour Cathedral Pietermaritzburg all appointments between 1908 and 1914. Upon returning to England he became Vicar of All Souls Leeds 1914-1918 and finally Rector of Steeple Barton Oxford 1918-1926. He lived at the Rectory Steeple Barton until he died in 1926. (Citation 'Who was Who 1926').

Francis and his wife Eleanor had seven daughters the youngest Elizabeth, being born in South Africa.

Interestingly, Steeple Barton is close to Westcott Barton church of Richard Gregson of generation 2, son of John Gregson of Murton.[list][*]